The Hindu : National : Terrorists resume infiltration attempts

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 14, 2004

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National

Terrorists resume infiltration attempts

By Luv Puri

JAMMU, JUNE 13. With the onset of summer, terrorists are trying to infiltrate into Indian territory again, cutting through the fencing near the Line of Control which is nearing completion.

Military officials have taken note of the increase in infiltration attempts since the first week of June and the frequency of patrols near the LoC has been stepped up.

Reports said that terrorist groups waiting to cross over have been spotted in Nikiyal, Kahuta, Kotli and Bagh areas near the LoC. In Poonch district alone, six infiltration attempts have been detected this month.

A decline in infiltration was noticed in early 2004 but with the melting of snow, attempts have begun again. Officials keeping a tab on infiltration levels told The Hindu that the terrorist organisations did not want any decrease in the number of terrorists operating on this side to maintain their capacity to strike.

Fencing operations along the rugged terrain of LoC have been going on for over a year despite blizzards at high altitude. The decision to put up a fence was taken to block intruders coming from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir where most of the terror camps are located. Infiltration is not easy now as the fence is made of 8 to 10 ft.-high barbed concertina wire. But there are gaps near rivulets.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt. Gen. Hari Prasad, said: "Any decline in infiltration is due to our efforts and the counter-infiltration posture adopted by the Army. Fencing operations have certainly helped us to block the routes of terrorists, although attempts to violate the LoC are being noticed."

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